This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Nervous System » Incoordination, Weakness, Spasticity, Tremors » Wobblers or Cervical Stenotic Myelopathy »
  Discussion on 32 year old mare has symptoms of CSM
Author Message
New Member:
rjr07

Posted on Friday, May 18, 2007 - 11:50 pm:

Hello. My old girl is having sporadic episodes of all of the symptoms described in this article but seems to recover fairly well in between. The first time I saw this was in December 06, then 2 weeks ago and again today. It is possible that she has episodes that we don't witness. During these episodes (today's was probably the most severe) she circles and does not seem to have control of her rear legs at all. It actually feels risky to get too close to her because it doesn't appear she has any control over where she might go next. Her appetite remains good, and when the vet was here he did all the diagnostics that were mentioned with the exception of x-rays. I did not think we could safely load and haul her in anywhere. Three different vets feel fairly certain it is a neurologic problem. Her respiration rate was elevated, indicating a degree of discomfort/pain. I am watching for indications that show worsening, such as more frequent episodes, elevated respiration, lack of appetite and of course the worst one, unable to get up. Is there anything else I should be watching for and do you agree that less activity is better? She still likes to get out in the pasture and eat and pal around with her two boyfriends; I'm of the mind to let her enjoy her twilight, years but on the other hand, don't want to add to her suffering. I'm curious to know if CSM exhibits symptoms followed by recovery followed by symptoms, etc., or whether typically once there are symptoms they are constant. We are treating her with banamine as needed. Thank you for any comments.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 7:44 am:

Welcome Robin,
I am sorry to meet you over such a serious problem. The "circling" is not characteristic of CSM and suggests to me that the lesion may be in the brain. Yes, early mild spinal cord impingement of any cause can present episodically. In all cases restricting exercise is sensible as she may fall with and hurt herself with increased freedom of movement.

From a treatment standpoint a 30 day course of TMP/SMZ followed by a corticosteroid treats most of what is treatable without breaking the budget badly. Without fever some would just start with the steroids. I would also review the nutrition carefully and if all is OK consider supplementing high levels of vitamin E. I find the prognosis for these older horses developing neurological signs guarded at best.
DrO
New Member:
rjr07

Posted on Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 11:55 am:

Thank you for your prompt reply. There's some that would say to get rid of an aging horse and cut your losses...I guess those people haven't had the years of enjoyment and friendship and actually, honor of having a horse become one of the family. We'll continue to watch her and treat her with respect.
Best regards.
Member:
zarr

Posted on Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 4:51 pm:

Robin very sorry for you and your old lady but she has a wonderful mom.Hold tight to each other and if you have to let go it will be with all the love you have to give! Until that day enjoy what you both love best each other! Cindy
New Member:
rjr07

Posted on Sunday, May 20, 2007 - 11:03 am:

I'm adding this information simply for anyone interested in trying to connect the dots regarding aging in horses.
Last winter ('06) we spent about 2 months trying to clear up a significant sinus drainage from Blondie's left nostril. This was a putrid smelling, very yellow discharge. Trip to vet, x-rays showed a circular shadow in the sinus cavity but without invasive technique unable to determine exactly what it was. Culture was negative. Naxcel for 2 weeks initially but it came back, Uniprim is what finally cleared it up.
Secondly, at 32 Blondie still comes into very hard heat. Don't know if it is all related to current conditions or not but if the totality of the symptoms are considered, it could be useful in thinking through it.
As mentioned earlier, to look at her you wouldn't guess she is 32, good coat, good weight, clear eyes. She has been on a diet of Equine Senior and timothy plus occasional pasture grass.
Member:
mrose

Posted on Sunday, May 20, 2007 - 1:43 pm:

Hi Robin. I've been following your posts on Blondie. I'd love to see a picture of her if you have one. She must be such a lovely old girl. Like you, I love my old mare, age 25, dearly. So far she remains in good health. I feed Eq. Senior also and love the stuff. Good luck with Blondie. Give her lots of hugs.
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC